Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary Highlights MSME Challenges at Bharat Conclave in Jammu
JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today emphasized the need to address the major challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Jammu & Kashmir while addressing the Amar Ujala MSME Bharat Conclave in Jammu city. The event focused on identifying MSME challenges, exploring solutions, and charting strategies for future growth.
The Conclave was attended by Director of Industries Arun Kumar Manhas, Labour Commissioner Charanjit Singh, and other senior departmental officials.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that investments in Jammu & Kashmir have reached ₹4,145 crore over the past decade, nearly ten times higher than the previous period. He added that by August 2025, projects worth ₹4,001 crore have already been initiated.
For the first time, sectors such as metals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food processing have seen investments exceeding ₹500 crore, leading to the establishment of numerous new units.
Deputy CM Choudhary also noted the significant role of women in MSMEs, contributing 3% to J&K’s GDP and providing employment to over 1 million people, with women holding 15% of these jobs.
Emphasizing the importance of a start-up ecosystem, he called for the development of cross-sectoral business support systems to foster entrepreneurship, generate mass employment, and promote enterprise creation at all levels. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making J&K a thriving hub of enterprise, ensuring sustainable economic growth, livelihood opportunities, and youth empowerment.
The Conclave included a direct dialogue between entrepreneurs and officials, focusing on Jammu’s industrial challenges. Officials provided detailed insights into departmental initiatives and addressed concerns related to pesticides, edible oils, cricket bats, paper mills, rice mills, and other small-scale industries in the region.
